Surface plasmon enhanced ultraviolet emission and observation of random lasing from self-assembly Zn/ZnO composite nanowires

Self-assembly Zn/ZnO composite nanowires were successfully synthesized via a simple chemical vapor deposition method. The composition and crystal structure of the Zn/ZnO composite nanowires were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The surface of the ZnO nanowires was decorated with Zn nanoparticles. Their photoluminescence properties were measured, indicating that the nearband edge emission intensity was significantly enhanced and visible emission was suppressed, which originates from the coupling between surface plasmons and the near-band edge emission of ZnO ( or electromagnetic field). Random lasing from Zn/ZnO composite nanowires was observed due to the surface plasmon resonant effect. Our results show a convenient way to achieve laser action by the surface plasmon resonant effect.